The purpose of this course is to provide a serious introduction to the core elements of molecular biology using a unique, engaging approach that assumes a quantitative background, not a biological one.
The motivating metaphor that we will use is Learning about biology is like learning a new language. An important aspect of learning a new language is vocabulary. Biological language is rich and complex because the phenomena being described are rich and complex. Students will learn how to put these terms together to express (and understand) more complex biological ideas.
| Prerequisites: |
B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics
or a related discipline
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The nature of the prerequisite is technical knowledge and skills in
computer science and mathematics plus a maturity to handle a brisk pace.
This is generally taught each fall semester.
| Topics |
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- Evolution
Replicating Systems; Natural Selection; Sources of Variation;
Time scales; Mass extinction as a way of life;
Some eras and their critters;
Mathematical and computational models of evolution
- Simple Life: Prokaryotes
Survival of the fastest reproducer; Energy capture and management:
ATP and other energy carriers, Photosynthesis, Metabolism and the synthesis of living components;
Horizontal transmission and bacterial sex;
Modern is not ancient: bacteria are contemporary organisms
- Eukaryotes
Symbiosis and the origin of the eukaryote; Nuclei and Cytoplasm; Ribosomes,
Mitochondria and chloroplasts; Yeast as a model organism
- Biological Macromolecules
The molecules and their assays: DNA sequencing, PCR, RNA, alternative
splicing and cDNAs, Proteins, Antibodies; Transcription: Gene structure, Transcriptional Control, Gene expression array instrumentation;
Translation; Post-translational modifications; Genetic engineering:
knock-ins, knock-outs, transgenics, Genotyping, Cloning, Commercialization and ethical considerations
- Death, rebirth and differentiation: The grand deal of multicellullar organisms
Why be somatic? The genetics of altruism; Mitosis & Meosis;
Development and differentiation; Stem cells
- Model organisms
C elegans; Drosophila; Mice and other mammals; Computational modeling
- A quick tour of the human body
Systems and physiology; Tissues and cell types; The nervous system;
The immune system
- Pathology
General Principles; Sepsis; Cancer; Aging
- Molecular theraputics and drug design
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